I have observed that when yawning, the sound volume perceived with earphones plugged in is reduced. Any explanation?
In: Biology
In the middle ear, you have three bones that help transmit the sound vibrations picked from the eardrum to the inner ear. The three bones are connected by tendons and ligaments, and there are also two muscles attached to this chain of bones. In response to louder sounds, the [acoustic reflex](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acoustic_reflex) makes one of the muscles contract, giving some protection to the inner ear. The acoustic reflex can be triggered by tickling the eyelashes, and yawning among other things. Additionally, yawning triggers the [other muscle](https://www.sciencefocus.com/the-human-body/why-do-i-lose-my-hearing-when-i-yawn/) to contract, further dampening the hearing during the yawn.
Source: Audiologist
Because the hinge of your jaw is very close to your inner ear. So when you yawn sometimes you change the shape/squish parts of your ear due to your jaw muscles contracting/your jaw bone moving, that impacts how your hear sounds.
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